When you hear someone is a mushroom farmer, you probably picture a seasoned green thumb. But Te’Lario W., who mans a booming mushroom farm of his own, is only 7 years old. Where did his hobby-turned-business come from? Cub Scouts.
Te’Lario joined Cub Scouts last fall. At his pack’s first meeting, the kids planted cat grass and basil. The excitement of watching his plants grow got the Scout thinking about an even grander garden.
Since Te’Lario lives in Ohio, where winter provides a challenging environment to grow plants outside, his parents helped him find the perfect vegetable to grow indoors: mushrooms.
Now, the spare room in Te’Lario’s house is a mushroom farm, supplying produce to five local farmers markets. The young entrepreneur has also established himself as a junior brand ambassador for Back to Roots. The experience has allowed him to share the joy of growing mushrooms with all kinds of people. He’s even making news and blog posts as he cultivates the local mushroom-growing community.
“We felt like this was a great story to share that started with his love for Cub Scouts and the great experiences he’s participated in,” Te’Lario’s mother LaVanya explained.
Tiger Mushrooms Farms is a family affair for Te’Lario’s parents and sister, and despite his impressive mushroom-mastering accomplishments, he’s still a normal kid. Check it out on the Good Day Columbus behind-the-scenes video below, where Te’Lario busts a move while his parents explain how the family ventured into the fungiculture world.
He’s a mini mushroom grower AND he has smoooooth moves!We loved hanging out with little Te’Lario and the whole Watkins family. They’ve turned a little cub scouts project into a full-blown business. Check out their produce at Easton’s Farmer Market!
What gets a kid interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? The question is a hot one, as professionals around the world seek to recruit more minds to the ever-emerging tech scene. Now the Boy Scouts of America has the answer.
To kids who imagine a lot of stagnant hours at a desk when they picture becoming a scientist, STEM might sound boring. But Scouting is known to intrigue kids in hands-on projects that activate young minds. That’s where the STEM Scouts pilot program comes in.
“We’re trying to get to those kids [into the program] who like to take things apart, blow things up, and have fun with engineering and math,” Catalina Council STEM volunteer Dave McKeehan told KGUN 9’s The Morning Blend.
The right-in-the-action approach of STEM Scouts is making an impression on kids nationwide. And they’re learning some pretty impressive stuff in the process.
“My favorite part is how we got to program a robot and make it move in our own trial,” ten-year-old STEM Scout Bobby C. told The Morning Blend.
Find out why other Scouts love the program and, in turn, love STEM by checking out the full report from The Morning Blend below. Then, see if there’s a STEM Scouts program near you by heading to https://stemscouts.org/.
Scouting sits beside holiday celebrations, sunny vacations, and reunions when it comes to tradition in some families. Ask a Scout about his favorite family tradition after he attends summer camp, and he’ll probably tell you Scouting trumps all the other family functions.
That’s because when you’re alongside your son or daughter having fun in the vast outdoors, you’re not just reminiscing about days past. You’re helping your kids create memories of their own.
For many Scouting families, heading to summer camp is a family tradition that’s generations deep. Mom blogger Shannon shared how her sons, husband, and his dad headed to Camp Bradley in Idaho last summer. After the three generations headed into the rugged experience of a lifetime, they came home the same way most Scouts do – tired, dirty, and full of stories.
Their arrival home tasked Shannon with finding a way to make sure these memories stay remembered (and we can only assume help her sons get clean again).
Some Scout moms make scrapbooks. Others frame pictures. But this is 2015, and Scout moms like Shannon craft blog posts and top ten lists to keep Scout camp memories alive. Her sons compiled a list of their ten favorite memories with their dad and grandpa at Scout camp.
See if the list looks like memories your kids would cherish, and relive the reaction of Shannon’s father-in-law when her boys gave him the list as a gift. Check it out in her post on Find Joy in the Journey.
Checking out the scene at World Scout Jamboree will turn your mental image of Scouts on its head. The quintessential Boy Scouts in tan and olive will stand in sea of Scouts from all over the globe. Some wear kilts, others berets, as a brigade of Scouts donning hues as varied as the flags they carry march through Japan next week.
That’s right, international Scouters from all over the world will unite in Yamaguchi from July 28 to August 8 for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree, which takes place every four years. Scouts from the U.S. are packing their bags in preparation. And while their uniforms may reflect the Scout imagery you’re familiar with, the Scouts, themselves, may surprise you.
The Boy Scouts of America’s Central Region Troop 102 is sending four patrols to the World Scout Jamboree. One of these patrols is comprised of six young women who are Venturers and three Boy Scouts, all led by Assistant Scoutmaster and advisor Annette Roe.
“We have six girls from Minnesota, Illinois, and Nebraska, and Kansas and three boys from West Virginia, then myself from Iowa,” Roe introduced the patrol.
These Venturers are headed to World Scout Jamboree under the leadership of Assistant Scoutmaster Annette Roe.
Roe is a seasoned Scouter, who became involved in the movement when the first of her three sons joined Cub Scouts. Her Scouting résumé is extensive, as she has assumed roles from assistant Cubmaster to District Commissioner.
Roe explained her jet-setting patrol, “came to be because several of them have been to the 2013 National Jamboree and two have siblings that have gone to the World Jamboree before. They knew it would be a chance of a lifetime to experience this.”
“When I asked them what they wanted to see and do the most they all agreed on everything,” Roe continued.
As to what their leader hopes the Scouts gain from the experience, it’s a little more specific. Roe hopes her patrol takes advantage of the chance to consider global issues.
“I hope they see the world issues and that our small group can make a difference,” Roe said. “It just has to start with one person getting out of their comfort zone and exploring what they can do to change another person’s life. I hope they get involved with groups and organizations around the world to change things and become true friends with others.”
True to most Scouting activities, the World Scout Jamboree challenges youth to be leaders. In a country that is not home for many in attendance, Scouts explore current events shaping the world and participate in community service projects – all this among tens of thousands of fellow Scouts from every corner of the planet.
“This is one place that is truly trying to bring everyone together and form a bond that will work together to change the world,” Roe explained. “If each Scout in attendance came home and started helping others then we have 30,000 people changing lives around the world.”
Scouting can turn skills and simple hobbies into passions that can have far-reaching effects for entire cities. Something as straight forward as earning a merit badge can spark a community-transforming passion in a young man.
Ryan Traynor’s passion for improving literacy began when he volunteered at his local library. (Photo: ABC News)
Ryan Traynor began volunteering to read to kids at a local library to earn a merit badge in his Boy Scout troop. Since then, he used his Eagle Scout service project to employ a comprehensive strategy to help improve literacy rates in his Northern California community. Watch his project summary video here.
The 16-year-old Scout orchestrated a book drive that yielded 25,000 books, ensuring local children had access to reading materials. He also collaborated with other teens to introduce literacy projects, develop science and math skills, and establish financial literacy for the community’s kids.
His dad said, “I think he’s figured out that you get out more than you put in as a volunteer.”
Now, Ryan is an Eagle Scout, and he was on Good Morning America this week. See the feature on the exemplary Eagle by watching GMA’s feature here.
Some Scout troops can boast one or two Scouts born in other states. But ask a Scout in Aurora, CO, Troop 1532 where he’s from, and he’ll tell you Burma, Malaysia, Thailand, Somalia, Nepal, Rwanda, or Democratic Republic of the Congo. If you’re lucky, he’ll tell you in English.
“My favorite times are when the Scouts from different backgrounds are all making fun of me at the same time, with words they have all taught each other, but haven’t taught me,” troop leader Dr. P.J. Parmar explained. “I can usually tell by their tone and laughing, but it is usually some variation of calling me lazy.”
Scout leaders Avery Kong (left) and P.J. Parmar alongside Aurora’s Troop 1532 (Photo: Cyrus McCrimmon, The Denver Post)
Teasing from the troop aside, the doctor turned troop leader is far from lazy.
Parmar’s father enrolled him in Scouting when he was 12. He earned Eagle Scout and spent several summers working at Philmont Scout Ranch. His passion for the outdoors was soon met with a desire to serve men and women who fled hard times in other countries.
Cue Parmar becoming Dr. Parmar, a family medical practitioner who works solely with refugees. He even manages a building full of organizations that serve refugees.
“There are many young men in my practice and in the various activities in the building. With my background in Scouting, starting a troop was a logical step to serve those youth,” Parmar said.
Enter the rambunctious Scouts who, despite coming from challenging backgrounds, relish the freedom of boyhood in the U.S., even rousing their leader when they have the chance (sounds like typical Scouts).
Bridging the Culture Gap
When it comes to programs that can immediately assimilate immigrants and refugees into
Photo: Assistant Scoutmaster Avery Kong, Boy Scout Troop 1532 Facebook
American culture, there are few still in existence as iconic as the khaki-clad Boy Scouts.
With emphasis on duty to country and proactive citizenship, Scouting in the U.S. offers children (from here or abroad) a chance to understand and grow into the caliber of adult who strengthens the country.
However, Parmar pointed out a less obvious benefit of Scouting for his refugee troop.
“Our outings provide a safe, accepting place for these kids to be themselves, in fun settings, without having to worry about negativity from other kids based on ethnic background,” Parmar explained. “Even when we interface with other troops, at summer camp or camporees, Scouting is indeed a safe space for diversity of all kinds.”
Photo: Assistant Scoutmaster Avery Kong, Boy Scout Troop 1532 Facebook
Speaking of summer camp, that’s where the never-before-experienced activities abound for Scouts who are new to U.S. culture. To them, campouts, horseback rides, swimming pools, even raising the flag can be novel (and sometimes scary at first).
And while the new experiences are in no short supply, neither are the challenges.
“Our boys have parents who don’t speak English, maybe work nights or don’t drive, or can’t afford the time or money for outings and supplies,” Parmar said.
Fundraising for troop activities proves difficult too. Even staples of Scouting fundraising like popcorn sales are hurdles for a refugee troop.
“Our kids can’t sell popcorn to their neighbors because their neighbors can’t afford popcorn and maybe don’t have a taste for it,” Parmar explained.
Thanks to volunteers and the collaboration of the Scouting community, these obstacles are being overcome, ensuring the boys an opportunity to thrive in the BSA’s life-changing youth programs.
“We are slowly building a group of dedicated adult volunteers who enjoy taking care of young men who aren’t their own sons,” Parmar said. “We have received assistance from the Denver Area Council for registrations, uniforms, and summer camp.”
But not to be overlooked is the tremendous dedication of troop founder Parmar. His commitment to helping Scouts from all backgrounds achieve what was incomprehensible in their native countries typifies the spirt of an Eagle Scout. Now his mentorship may inspire a new flock.
Looking forward, Parmar hopes Scouting continues to serve youth from all over the world, adding, “I think over time Scouting can keep finding strategies to find even more ways to work with those from diverse backgrounds.”
Photo: Assistant Scoutmaster Avery Kong, Boy Scout Troop 1532 Facebook
Scouts marvel at the stories of veterans on a regular basis. At troop meetings and for Eagle Scout projects, young men are regaled with the stories of heroes who have sacrificed to protect the country. Now, Scouts are sharing their world with veterans.
West Virginia area Scouts will be on site to assist and participate alongside veterans in Summit staples, like zip lining. But this is no ordinary zip line. It’s equipped to accommodate veterans who use wheelchairs.
Scouts and veterans will also team up for relays and obstacle courses. The day will round out with a concert featuring country artist Aaron Tippin.
Learn more about the event that will bring veterans to the Summit by heading to WV Metro News, Charleston Daily Mail, or reading the articles featured to the left of this post.
Tammy’s Scout son is on the autism spectrum. He doesn’t talk but communicates nonverbally.
When it comes to sharing what the Boy Scouts of America has to offer her family, a Scout mom is trustworthy. That’s why this summer we’re sharing the affirmations of moms involved in the program versus giving you the rundown ourselves.
On that note, meet Tammy. Scouting has given her son a fantastic outlet for refining social and physical skills as he faces obstacles associated with autism. And she’s no stranger to sharing the challenges he’s overcome. In fact, she blogs about the topic regularly on her blog Autism Learning Felt.
As a leading voice for moms helping their children on the autism spectrum thrive, Tammy’s praise of Scouting shows the BSA’s programs are the inclusive, supportive outlets kids facing distinct challenges need.
“Over the years, my son has repeatedly accomplished things with the Boy Scouts that amaze me,” Tammy explains.
Read how these amazing accomplishments keep coming and could be acheived by your son too by checking out Tammy’s two-part post on the topic:
The sun’s descent and the day’s end is a sad moment for any Scout or Venturer thriving on the outdoor adventures of camp. But for Troop and Crew 140 of the Northwest Suburban Council, a trip to Alaska offered 12 straight days of sunlight.
The group of 35 Scouts, Venturers, and their leaders explored a rural area in the state, northeast of Anchorage. The nearly two-week excursion tasked the party with camping in broad daylight, fishing for salmon in chilly waters, climbing a glacier, spotting whales, and even zip lining.
And like the adventures, the daylight never ended.
“At midnight, it’s sunny out,” Assistant Scoutmaster Dean Maraldo told the Chicago Tribune. “One night, I woke up at two in the morning, and it’s broad daylight.
“Honestly, after 12 days, it started to affect me, but the kids didn’t have any problems with it,” he said. “When you’re young, none of that stuff matters.”
The ceaseless energy of Scouts is an experience most adult leaders can relate to. But the ceaseless daylight? That’s a distinct memory for the Venturers and Scouts who explored Alaska.
Hopefully you checked out Eagle Scout Jackson Meyer‘s stealth maneuvers when he sprung onto the American Ninja Warrior scene on May 25. His athletic prowess landed him in the Venice finals that air tonight at 8/7c.
While you may feel like the #NinjaScout‘s biggest fan, you probably don’t know everything about this competitor’s time on the show. For instance, did you know Jackson ran the course at 4:30 a.m.? Or that 130 competitors ran the course that night (and really early morning), even though only 20 or 30 were featured on the episode? We learned about these TV magic insights when we caught up with the Scout after the show. Read on to get the details and psych yourself up for tonight’s episode.
Eagle Scout Jackson Meyer Tackles the American Ninja Warrior Course
If you saw the episode that catapulted Jackson onto the American Ninja Warrior stage, you’ll remember how he bounded through the course, shook off a quick stumble, and hit the road block that halted most competitors. Despite all that, Jackson is still in the running for the city finals.
“I knew it came down to the top 30 finishers or the top 30 times,” Jackson explained.
Even though Jackson didn’t complete the final obstacle of the course – the Hour Glass Drop – his time was fast enough to place him in the top 30 and in the city finals.
But what made the obstacle that tripped up so many competitors such a challenge?
“It was just tricky because the trampoline was springier than most,” Jackson said. “I went super far down before I launched up.”
And after watching countless competitors get stuck on the drop and earlier obstacles, Jackson felt the pressure.
“I felt like I was on the big stage,” Jackson remembered. “You get one shot to run the course.”
The first time the fresh college graduate stepped onto the course was his first time to run its obstacles, not to mention grace national network television.
Jackson marveled, “Once I got up there, I realized, wow! The crowd is much bigger than I thought. The whole course is bigger than I thought.”
And the pressure was even greater as Scouts around the country tuned in to watch Jackson scale the course in Scouting uniform
Representing Scouts on the Course
Most Ninja Warriors featured on the show share moving backstories or display an edge to what they’re bringing to the competition. For Jackson, that edge is Scouting.
He secured clearance from the Boy Scouts of America to wear his uniform on the course. The choice made him a standout, and it’s one he’s glad he made.
But representing Scouting on the course came with additional pressure.
“There’s the added pressure of, ‘OK, it’s my first season, everyone’s looking at me like, I haven’t seen this kid before,'” Jackson explained. “And so there’s me in a Boy Scout uniform and it’s like, who is this guy? So it was a little bit of extra pressure.”
Among the veteran American Ninja Warriors, many of whom have run courses since the show began in 2009, stood the Eagle Scout, wearing the shirt many boys and men around the country revere.
Scouters should tune in tonight to see Jackson sport the uniform on the course again. But the show and this competitor give Scouts more reasons to watch than just the uniform – like how skills first developed in races and obstacle courses at Scout camp come into play.
“Now I’m able to be on national TV showing adequacy to put these skills to use,” Jackson said. “It is an opportunity to prove ourselves as athletes.”
Watch the athlete put these skills to the test tonight on NBC at 8/7c.
Scouts marvel at the stories of veterans on a regular basis. At 
